BBC Italianissimo Review
Have you heard of Italianissimo? It’s a BBC series from the ’90s (back when folks wore fanny packs and mullets were popular). The show aimed to teach beginners about Italy’s language and culture.
But don’t let the cheesy ’90s vibe fool you. Italianissimo is good. It covers all the basics, such as introductions, socializing, and making requests.
Italianissimo combines English explanations with Italian. And the show even features unscripted conversations with actual local Italians – not just some actors pretending to be Italian like in The Godfather.
Italianissimo has a unique twin-track approach to meet different learners’ needs. Plus, each of the 20 episodes is only about 15 minutes long, making it convenient to watch when you have a busy schedule.
The show even gives you a taste of Italy back in the 90s with authentic location recordings. And you start to get the feel of the different accents spoken in Italy from north to south.
However, you will surely freak out when you hear prices throughout the show. The amounts are pretty high! But remember that the show came into existence before Euro adoption in Italy. So when people talk about prices, they’re in lire italiane.
Wrapping Up!
So, if you’re looking to learn Italian and want to do it while being entertained, Italianissimo is the way to go. Look past the 90s vibe and absorb the Italian language and culture. All I ask is to not point your finger at me when you start talking with your hands!
If you want to check another free Italian BBC-produced course (filmed in our era, not as way back as the 90s), click here.
Italianissimo sounds like a fun and educational show to help beginners like me learn the language and get to know the Italian culture.
However, I’m curious about the unscripted conversations with local Italians that the show features. How does that work? I mean, as a beginner, won’t it be challenging to understand those conversations?
Do they provide additional support or context to help viewers follow along and learn from those interactions?
Yes, I get it. But there is nothing to worry. Italianissimo provides context for the conversations, and you’ll be surprised how much you can understand locals! Check it out!
Learning the basics of a language from a show is a delightful idea. There’s an element of engagement and entertainment as opposed to taking a course that might be boring and more demanding.
Naturally, one wouldn’t become proficient with any language from watching a series. But continuous exposure can be a game changer.
Thank you for your take on this. Being able to keep ourselves invested in learning the language is more than half the battle!
One intriguing aspect of the show is its glimpse into Italy in the 1990s, complete with authentic location recordings. It doesn’t only teach the language but also provides cultural insights and exposes viewers to the diverse accents spoken across the country.
The shock-inducing prices in the show (in lire Italiane, the currency before Italy’s adoption of the Euro) are the icing on the cake. It’s a fun reminder of Italy’s economic history. I enjoyed the travel through memory lane!
I am glad that the article reminded you of Italy’s past decades. Thanks for commenting about it!
Hey, Jonathan, great review!
Italianissimo sounds like a fun way to learn Italian, even with its ’90s vibe. It will remind me of the series we watched as children (Saved by the Bell, Power Rangers, etc). The twin-track approach, short episodes, and conversations with locals make it appealing.
The glimpse into 1990s Italy is a nice touch. Your humor about lire Italiane prices made me smile.
Yeah, it may bring a bit of nostalgia. Many don’t know about this free course. You can spread the word to others who may also be interested!
I didn’t know this TV show but I know that I really liked BBC TV shows back in the ’90s! Italianissimo is a show mingling entertainment and education as it shows you how to learn Italian. And the way Italian is mixed with English, so you won’t be lost in translation while following the show. I’d really like this kind of show to come back! Do you have the equivalent of Italianissimo in the current times?
Thanks Angelce
Hi Jonathan
Your article is short and to the point. You never know where life takes you. Learning other languages is important especially if you like travelling because then it makes life easier. What I like about about your article about Italianissimo it gives English explanation of Italian, and makes you feel what life is like in Italy. This makes it even more easier.
It would have been nicer for me if your could mention days and times in which this series in been aired. What I also like is that the show runs for 15min. Some of us our concentration span is shot and this will just be good for me especially for learning.
Thanks for your articles. I now want to learn Italian
Richard
Thank you Richard
90s shows are fun! I have a bunch I like. I will watch Italianissimo too! Thanks for the recommendation.
You’re welcome!
The 90s has a bunch of cool stuff. I like the TV shows and music. It even makes me a bit nostalgic.
So, when I discovered Italianissimo, it was the perfect fit. I enjoy the retro vibes. Thank you very much for highlighting this language-learning show. I will share it with some of my friends. We may even end up watching it together.
I’m glad Italianissimo is your style. Happy Italian learning!
Using the BBC Italianissimo course was a fantastic way to start learning Italian. The lessons were clear, and the mix of language and culture kept me motivated. It was so helpful for getting acquainted with the language while getting a feel for Italian life!
I completely agree! The blend of language and culture is what makes it so effective. Did you have a favorite lesson or cultural aspect?
Watching Italianissimo made me feel so nostalgic! It reminded me of TV shows from the 90s — the simpler graphics, the slower pace, and the overall vibe. It brought back memories of sitting in front of the TV as a kid, enjoying shows that felt more relaxed and less flashy than today’s. Such a nice trip down memory lane!
Absolutely! That’s exactly how I felt too. It’s amazing how a show can transport you back to a specific time. The 90s charm is definitely strong with Italianissimo. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the fast-paced shows we’re used to now.